Whizz kids

Most rugrats need to be IT savvy by the time they’re eight or nine. Time Out Kids looks at the laptops to get them started

Start Right Bilingual Power Notebook
With its matching mouse, white keyboard and menu of 40 different functions including mathematics, grammar, spelling and bilingual (Arabic) capabilities, this serious-looking laptop initially seems ‘the business’. However, as soon as we’d got it out of the box and popped in the batteries (it takes four AAs but can also be attached to a mains adapter) we realised why we wouldn’t be adding it to a present list any time soon. The problem begins and ends with the sound function. Tuneless ‘tunes’ burst forth from the inadequate inbuilt speakers creating their very own piercing feedback in the process. And, there’s no volume control. To add insult to injury (yes, our ears were bleeding) the ghastly, pippy screeching continues throughout the course of the play session. This is the kind of toy you should give to a child of parents you really can’t stand.
Suitable for: Ages 5+
Dhs229, Hyper Panda (04 232 5566).